Today, APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) paid a visit to Nakasuk School, Iqaluit. They had requested that we establish an expert panel of students who had a broad knowledge of Santa Claus and his activities in Nunavut. Consequently, four of our students were interviewed on a wide range of subjects. APTN sought information about such topics as: the types of country food Santa ate; how he stayed warm; and how he manages to get to all of the communities in Nunavut - among other things. Our students were very knowledgeable! Everything that was asked of our students, was answered with great enthusiasm! Therefore, APTN taped the interview and it will be seen on their station next week to coincide with Santa's visits in Nunavut.

We thank our students for sharing the secret information about Santa and APTN for their willingness to share it with the rest of the children across the Territory.

On 17-12-12, Kelly Esford, Gr. 4 Teacher, Nakasuk School, Iqaluit, hosted a Christmas PJ Party in her classroom. The intent was to combine slumbering and snacking with a literacy initiative. Therefore, the students dressed in their favourite Christmas PJ's and many of their parents came to read a favourite Christmas Story to them. We thank our parents and guardians for participating. As well, we thank Kelly Esford and her NTEP Intern, Joanne Peters, for organizing the fun filled activity. In addition to the good stories, they also enjoyed hot chocolate and marshmallows. Yum! Yum!

On 17-12-12, the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) made a special presentation to Nakasuk School, Iqaluit. We were presented with a Grade 1 Family Theme box of curriculum material. It has been developed for the Qulliq Model of Language of Instruction, but can be adapted to other models as well. It was in-serviced last year for all K-6 teachers as an example of the new integrated themes. All future themes will be developed using a similar structure and format. The Inuktitut Manual is currently being completed.

We thank the Department of Education for the curriculum support material.

Nakasuk School, Iqaluit, has, for the third consecutive year, hosted Level 4 Intern Teachers. This term we welcomed Joanne Peters. She worked with Teacher Mentor, Kelly Esford, and her Grade 4 Students.

It has been a positive and enjoyable exercise for all concerned. Joanne is part of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and the University of Regina Internship process. We are very pleased with her professionalism, expertise and commitment to education. We believe that it is important to serve as a positive educational environment for new teachers who seek to participate fully in education in Nunavut.

Our Faculty at Nakasuk School are well versed in curriculum and all aspects dealing with the delivery of education. We are pleased that we are able to share with NTEP Interns and have them participate with us in the pedagogical arena. We look forward to hosting more students in future. In closing, we simply wish to say that whatever the Nunavut Teacher Education Program and the University of Regina is doing... please continue to do so.

Each academic year Graduating students from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP) engage in a Teaching Practicum in local schools in their communities. This Fall semester students in Iqaluit accepted placements at: Nakasuk School (Principal – Tracey MacMillan); Aqsarniit Middle School (Principal – Donald Peters); and Joamie School (Principal – Sonia LeBlanc). We thank these School Administrators for their support and cooperation in the delivery of this vital element of student programming and for assigning Teachers as Mentors for our students. Additionally, we thank the Teacher Mentors for their efforts on behalf of the Student Teachers.

On Monday, 10/12/12, the four Practicum students presented the Teacher Mentors with appreciation gifts at a social held at Nunatta Campus, Iqaluit. We thank Mary Flaherty (NTEP: Educational Professional Studies) for arranging the function and for her oversight of the Practicum placements.

The following picture is of the Student Teachers and some of their Teacher Mentors.

It is often stated that volunteerism is at the heart of any enterprise. We believe that statement! At Nakasuk School, Iqaluit, we regularly have parents and guardians volunteering in activities such as: Literacy Events; After School Programs; Snack Programs; Library Programs; etc.

However, last week was a first for us. On Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, we had our first parent "Smoothie" volunteers. During a class lunch for Shannon Richardson's Grade 4 students, four of our parents volunteered to make healthy, nutritious smoothies for the children. As always, we are very appreciative of our parent volunteers and the contributions they make to school life. Additionally, our students really enjoy their participation in the classes.

The attached photos show some of our parents and students during their lunch time. We especially thank Matt Nuqingaq for his obvious expertise with the blender! He may be a master carver, but, he was very "smooth" making the "smoothies!"

As part of a national public awareness campaign by the Government of Canada, copies of a booklet entitled An Environmental Health Activity Booklet for Inuit Kids were distributed to the Nakasuk School Community. These booklets were specifically designed for Inuit Youth to facilitate learning while having fun! In particular, the booklets provided important information on environmental health issues and how to make changes in the home.

We are pleased to note that one of our students is featured in this booklet. We congratulate Solomon Tigullaraq for this recognition. The attached picture shows Solomon indicating his place in the booklet!

Throughout the month of November, Nakasuk School, Iqaluit, underwent construction to improve air quality. This repair work was completed in the evenings and on weekends so as not to interrupt student instructional time.

We thank the Students and Staff at Nakasuk School for accommodating the workers by completing preparation tasks at home. As well, we appreciate the efforts of CGS, the Nunavut Department of Education, in particular Barry Cornthwaite, to ensure this process worked well for us and did not have any negative impact on the delivery of our curriculum. Thank you all!

We especially thank the project contractor, Shawn Rankin and his team from Indoor Air Quality Ottawa, for donating over 11,000 Nutri-Grain Bars to Nakasuk School. This generous gesture will be a great support for our Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Programs!

Today, on 06/12/12, Grade 1 / 2 / 3 students from Nakasuk School, Iqaluit, decorated a Christmas Tree at the Legislative Assembly. They had been invited to do so by Cindy Rennie, Public Affairs Officer, Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

The students created their own decorations and individually placed them on the Christmas Tree that had been reserved for them in the lobby. Students were then treated to cookies and hot chocolate.

We thank Cindy for the delicious treats and congratulate the Students and Teachers on a job well done!

We have attached pictures of students with samples of their decorations.